| At CUBE Gallery, situated in the heart of historic Manchester, is an exhibition of contemporary photography that covers issues so broad that it ranges from Chinese fairytales and Buddhist thinking to the perception of female beauty in Western society and deserted institutional buildings. “Infusion” is the first group show to be undertaken by every member involved. There is no collaborative thinking to link pieces of work to a common thread, it is thusly a free-for-all by each individual photographer to express their views on contemporary society through their own lens. |  |
Infusion – Stephen Gosling
At CUBE Gallery, situated in the heart of historic Manchester, is an exhibition of contemporary photography that covers issues so broad that it ranges from Chinese fairytales and Buddhist thinking to the perception of female beauty in Western society and deserted institutional buildings.
“Infusion” is the first group show to be undertaken by every member involved. There is no collaborative thinking to link pieces of work to a common thread, it is thusly a free-for-all by each individual photographer to express their views on contemporary society through their own lens.
The collection of work on show by the 12 members of “Infusion” is vast to say the least. From traditional photography to video installation, to photogram-inspired experimentations on negatives, “Infusion” has it all.
Victoria Martin is showing work of immense personal worth. Her traditional-looking black and white images are anything but. They, in-fact, tackle the notion of female beauty by picturing herself in introspective ways. Martin’s work is driven by traditional ideas of women being seen and photographed by and for men. Instead these photographs are taken for the everywoman, taking away the glamour, the sex, and stripping women (Martin herself representing the role of everywoman in these self-portrait images) down to the bare facts of not wanting to be seen as a desired sexual object 24 hours a day. Gritty and truthful, Martin’s images are a bold statement in a sex-obsessed world.
Sara Dalzell, a photographer who is originally from Northern Ireland is showing images with contrasting methods. Her brightly lit light boxes depicted dark and surrealistic subject matter. One part high colour fashion, one part sinister story, Dalzell’s images appear to be the next step beyond heroine chic made famous by such photographers as Corinne Day. The images on show depict unidentifiable women who seem to be in danger. This mood of distrust created by colour, shadow and the method of the model being obscured from view. Working with blurred lines of ambiguity, differing realities and interpretations open for debate, Dalzell is pushing the boundaries of photography that sits comfortable on both the gallery wall and in the glossy pages of fashion magazines.
My own work, inspired by German photographer Candida Hfer who is vehemently a part of the Düsseldorf School of Photography, involves photographs of empty locations that have institutional importance. This clinical way of shooting allows for a comparative and contemplative way of viewing the subject matter I have depicted. Focusing on these institutional interiors prompts a second look at these places that can commonly be ignored even when filled with hundreds of people.
Will Rodgers is the only artist amongst the twelve who has not used a camera of any kind to create his imagery. Rodgers’ work is scientifically concerned with art and artistically concerned with science. By exploring the symbiotic relationship between art and science, Rodgers is able to give a unique insight to how he sees the world. The work on view at the CUBE shows experimentation with light, ice, water and time.
Paul Hyde’s book is yet another piece of work on show. This work shows a trustful relationship between himself and a creative writer as their collaborative process develops, stage by stage, to the final piece that is displayed before us. The winding narrative delves into dark places that the imagery reflects. Twists and turns, characters and scenarios; all culminating in a trip filled journey that leaves you wanting more.
An overwhelming process to be involved in but rewarded highly by the quality of work on show. “Infusion” is a fantastic debut for all associated, encompassing all realms of lens-based contemporary visual art. Such breadth of work shown by such a small group bodes extremely well for Manchester’s growing art scene. Great things are now expected.
